Nebraska Player Critically Wounded

The bright promise of a new football season has been shattered in Lincoln, Neb.

Brian Hiemer, a 21-year-old senior tight end on the University of Nebraska football team, was in critical condition Wednesday afternoon after he shot himself in the head, authorities said.

``There is no evidence of foul play. It doesn`t appear to be accidental,`` said Polk County sheriff Tim Siemek.

Hiemer shot himself Tuesday at the home of his parents on their farm four miles north of Shelby, said an official with the Shelby Fire Department who asked not to be identified. Hiemer was sitting against an outbuilding and a .22-caliber rifle reportedly was found nearby, the official said.

Hiemer had alternated with junior Todd Frain at tight end last fall. The two-year letterman caught four touchdown passes, tops on the squad in 1984.

SOONER DOUSED BY NCAA

It`ll be a long wait before justice is served on Oklahoma guard Tim McCalister, who admitted he threw a cup of water at an official during last year`s NCAA basketball tournament game against Memphis State. The NCAA ruled Tuesday that McCalister, who has two years of eligibility remaining, has been disqualified from the next NCAA tournament game the Sooners play. It was the only action the NCAA could take since it only has the authority to disqualify players from future championship competition and not during the regular season.

THE COMEDY CLUB

All that was missing was the laugh track as the Atlanta Hawks and agents for No. 1 draft choice Jon Koncak of Southern Methodist traded gibes Tuesday. Agents Sherman Blount and Ron Meyer of Dallas said their client would rather play in Italy than accept ``an insulting deal`` from Hawks` general manager Stan Kasten. Kasten, they said, has offered too little money over too long a period with too much of it deferred. ``You know what they call Stan around the NBA?`` Blount said. ``They call him Mr. Long-Term, Low Pay Deferred.``

Kasten took the criticism in good humor. ``Where do I accept that award?`` said Kasten.

Atlanta coach Mike Fratello had described the team`s negotiations with Koncak as ``at a standstill.``